Unemployment falls over the year

Scotland’s unemployment rate fell by 0.4 percentage points over the year, and there are 28,000 more people in employment than at the pre-recession peak.

The latest labour market statistics, published by the Office for National Statistics for August to October 2016, show that Scotland continues to outperform the UK on female and youth employment rates.

The unemployment rate fell by 0.4 percentage points over the year to 5.3 per cent, however, it rose over the quarter by 0.6 percentage points.

Scotland has the second highest employment rate out of the four UK nations and we currently have 28,000 more people in employment than the pre-recession peak.

Scotland continues to outperform the UK on female employment and inactivity rates

Scotland continues to outperform the UK on youth employment, unemployment and inactivity rates.

Minister for Employability and Training Jamie Hepburn said:

“These figures show that the Scottish Labour Market is resilient in the face of notable economic headwinds. I’m encouraged to see that Scotland is continuing to outperform the rest of the UK on female and youth employment.

“While the unemployment rate fell over the year, it’s concerning to see a rise over the last quarter. We have the second highest employment rate out of the four UK nations, but it is clear that result of the EU referendum has created uncertainty and weakened economic progress.

“In recent months we have announced steps to invest an additional £100 million in capital projects in this financial year to help stimulate growth and support jobs, and we are establishing a new £500 million Scottish Growth Scheme to support in particular small and medium enterprises.

“We are taking action to support the resilience of the Scottish economy and remain determined to pursue every avenue to secure Scotland’s continued place in Europe and the stability, jobs and investment that come from being part of the world’s biggest single market.”